MY POSTS

Khichdi If someone asks which two dishes are the most special in Marathi cuisine, the first unanimous answer will be puran poli. In Marathi culture, puran poli has a place of honour… in fact, it’s an inseparable part of our tradition. But although everyone agrees on puran poli, there will never be agreement on the second dish. People from Kolhapur will vote for pandhra rassa or misal. In Nagpur, they’ll think of pudachi vadi or vada bhaat. The always-in-a-hurry Mumbaikars might agree on pompano fish or vada pav. And the argumentative-by-hobby, “principled” Punekars will first fight endlessly over Ukdiche modak or Chitale’s Bakarwadi. Later, seminars on the topic will also be organised. Some Punekars will even recommend chakli or shrikhand... Then someone will point out that shrikhand isn’t originally Marathi at all — it’s a Gujarati dish, brought to Maharashtra by Bajirao I in the third decade of the 18th century. Evidence will be shown too! And then another debate will begin — was it ...

  Learning or Teaching Bridge… Not an Easy Task! — Rajendra Phansalkar 12th July 2012 The other day, I read that the world’s richest person, Mr. Bill Gates, donated one million dollars to the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) to support facilities that help newcomers learn the game. Mr. Gates, a keen bridge player himself, once confessed with a smile, “Bridge is one of the last games in which the computer is not better.” Ever since I learned that Bill Gates plays bridge, I’ve started feeling a little richer myself! The Challenge of Teaching Bridge There’s plenty of literature available for beginners who want to learn bridge, but very few good teachers—because teaching this game is no easy task. Bill Gates, the business tycoon, clearly understood that, and his generous donation was a thoughtful gesture in support of better learning facilities. When someone wants to learn a new sport, they’re usually expected to have watched others play it first. Bridge is no exception. A newcom...

Decision Making A decision can be defined as the best course of action—or inaction—perceived by an individual or a group of people at a given time in a particular situation. Interestingly, sometimes the most appropriate decision is not to act at all. Choosing inaction consciously is, in itself, a form of decision-making. Since time, circumstances, and people’s needs constantly change, no decision is ever permanently right or wrong. A choice that seems correct today may appear inappropriate tomorrow. Today’s comforts may become tomorrow’s needs, and what we see as luxuries now may turn into necessities in the future. A particular course of action that suits one situation may prove unsuitable when the situation changes. Moreover, individuals think differently—what one considers right, another may see as wrong. The real nature of a decision becomes evident only after it is implemented, by which time the situation itself may have changed. Every individual faces many challenges in life, and...

Wife and Japanese Management Fresh out of engineering college, I landed a job in a big company. Like most young engineers, I believed I was now “someone important” and knew everything. The workers quickly corrected that illusion. They ragged me mercilessly, reminded me to stay in my limits, and later—ironically—taught me lessons no textbook ever could. Among the many “opportunities” the company offered, one stood out: trainings. In reality, anyone with less critical work—or those considered troublesome—was “spared” for training. I too was once spared. The topic? “Learn Management from Your Wife.” The speaker? Sharu Rangnekar, the legendary management guru. At that time, I wasn’t married and thought: What is there to  “learn” about management? So, I dismissed it. Only years later did I read his book of the same title, fall in love with his ideas, and regret missing that session. A Lockdown Revelation during Corona The recent lockdown brought Rangnekar’s words back to me. Like everyo...

  The psychology of educated, married, working women who have completed their responsibilities—especially towards their family and husband—can vary a lot depending on personality, cultural background, relationship quality, and life experiences.   Some common psychological patterns are often observed at this stage of life. 1. Sense of Fulfillment and Relief Many women feel a sense of achievement after completing major family duties (children’s upbringing, husband’s career support, managing household). There may also be relief that the most demanding years of balancing family and work are over. 2. Shift in Priorities Attention often turns inward: self-care, hobbies, career ambitions, spiritual growth, or social service. Some women start rediscovering their individuality beyond the “wife” and “mother” roles. 3. Need for Recognition and Respect After years of contribution, women may strongly desire acknowledgment from their husband and family—not just gratitude, but also emot...